Victor Macarol - symbolic constructs of complex meaningsby Dr. Peter Gund
A keen portraitist of the life's subtle dramas, Victor Macarol captures a profusion of subjects and locales with consistent vision and motivation.
All images are symbolic constructs, full of complex meanings, with specific counts and interrelationships of picture elements. The composition shows clarity of structure, richness of texture, elaboration, counterpoint, and even major and minor tonality - no doubt reflecting Macarol's rigorous musical training. On another level, the images are gently humorous vignettes on the foibles of humans and animals desperately fighting for survival in an impersonal world. They are windows into their The works contain characters from all walks of life. Is Macarol, then, a recorder only of that portion of humanity that chances into his viewfinder? No - in each case the person is performing in a one-scene play that has been perceived by the artist. By visualizing and composing the scene, Macarol transforms this person's ephemeral role into an enduring vision. Consider the image of a man in a business suit gorging on a sandwich while perching uncomfortably on the base of a Henry Moore abstract statue of a reclining figure. Oblivious to the work of art behind him, he unconsciously becomes a participant in art, thanks to Macarol's sly powers of observation. His extended leg, parallel to the statue's calf, forms a new pattern involving both bodies - while the statue gazes serenely and disdainfully past this intruder usurping her pedestal! Some of the works contain animals - moping dogs, reposing cats, and even pigeons. Is Macarol, then, a photographer of animals? No - in each case the animal is an integral part of the composition, contributing to it on multiple levels. A reclining cat royally surveys its domain, ignoring the dog behind her. Is the cat being subserviently guarded by the dog, which casually rests its paw on the door ledge? Or is there another story unfolding? The artist lets us interpret this as we wish. Observe Macarol's well-known image of the cat in front of a poster of Marilyn Monroe in a storefront window. How did the cat happen to become tethered by a leash to Marilyn's finger in the poster? Where should the line be drawn between life and representation? Only the artist knows. It is Victor Macarol's unique talent that, as one contemplates his works, the balance is always tipping in one direction or another as the viewer is first struck by the subject matter, then by the play of light or arrangement of figures, and then by the possible storylines that could have led to the moment of equilibrium. But at the end, when the work has been fully explored, these excursions have brought one back to the center, to the work itself, and to the ultimately uplifting vision of this artist.
* A reflection on Victor Macarol's work by Dr. Peter Gund of Princeton, New Jersey; it appears as a preface in the exhibition brochures accompanying Macarol's one-man exhibitions at ___________________________________________________________________________ "...Victor Macarol received the largest state Fellowship Award for photography since the program was begun. He has been recognized by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts as Distinguished Artist, the first time that designation has been made." (The New York Times) "...We recognize his exceptional artistic merit and are especially proud of Victor Macarol as a New Jersey artist. We acknowledge the fine contribution he has made to improve the quality of the cultural life of the State of New Jersey." (The New Jersey State Council on the Arts). ___________________________________________________________________________
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